Stroke Awareness: Signs, Types, and How to Perform a FAST Assessment

A stroke can happen at work, at home, or even during everyday activities. When it does, understanding the signs quickly can be a lifesaver.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a portion of the brain is suddenly disrupted or blocked. Within minutes, brain cells die in the absence of oxygen and nutrients.

When you notice the warning signs, you must become alert, use the FAST assessment to confirm warning signs, maintain composure, act fast, and seek professional assistance.

What Causes a Stroke?

A stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or when blood flow to a portion of the brain is blocked. Consequently, the brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and nourishment, which causes damage in a matter of seconds.In Ireland around 7500 people will suffer a stroke each year 

And in recent years there has been an  increase fo Stokes in adults under the age fo 49 

Now, let’s understand the different types of strokes.

Types of Strokes

While first aid courses usually cover the three main clinical categories of ischaemic, haemorrhagic, and transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), medical professionals are aware of several subtypes. 

Understanding these makes it simpler to understand why various patients may have quite different symptoms and outcomes.

1. Ischaemic Stroke (Clots) 

This is the most common kind of stroke. It occurs when a blood clot or fatty deposit (atherosclerosis) obstructs a blood vessel that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Within minutes, the injured brain cells begin to die from lack of oxygen.

2. Haemorrhagic Stroke (Bleeds)

A haemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures (bursts), causing bleeding inside or around the brain. Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations are the two primary causes of haemorrhagic stroke.

3. Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

When blood flow to the brain is temporarily disrupted, a "mini-stroke," or transient ischaemic attack, occurs. It has the symptoms of a stroke, but it resolves within minutes or hours.

4. Cryptogenic Stroke (Unknown Cause)

In some cases, doctors cannot determine what caused the stroke, even after thorough testing. This is referred to as a cryptogenic stroke. 

The article “Atrial fibrillation and cryptogenic stroke. What is the current evidence?” explains that 15% to 40% of all ischaemic strokes are cryptogenic (i.e., no clear cause identified) and highlights that episodes of AF detected by prolonged ECG monitoring may be the unseen culprit.

5. Brain Stem Stroke

Brain stem stroke affects the region of the brain that controls functions such as breathing, consciousness, and movement. Since it connects to the spine, injury at this point can affect both halves of the body and, in severe cases, leave a person "locked-in". In such a state, the person is awake but unable to move or speak.

Let's now discuss the symptoms and indicators of stroke.

Common Signs and Symptoms of a Stroke

Stroke symptoms appear unexpectedly, so every moment counts. 

The table below summarises common stroke symptoms and what they may indicate. These are not diagnostic tools but awareness pointers to help identify potential signs early.

Sign or Symptom	What It May Indicate	What to Do
Facial drooping or numbness (usually on one side)	Weakness in facial muscles is caused by reduced blood flow to a part of the brain.	Get them to smile. If one side droops, contact emergency services right away.
Weakness or paralysis in one arm or leg	Sudden loss of strength or coordination, often on one side of the body.	Ask the individual to raise both arms. If one drifts down, consider it a stroke warning sign.
Slurred or garbled speech	The area of the brain controlling speech may be affected.	Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Difficulty or confusion indicates a medical emergency.
Difficulty understanding others	Problems processing language or following simple commands.	Speak clearly and check if the person can follow basic instructions. Call for help if not.
Sudden vision problems	Blurred, double, or loss of vision in one or both eyes due to a disruption in the visual pathway.	Encourage the person to focus on an object or read text. Seek urgent medical attention if vision is impaired.
Loss of balance or coordination	The part of the brain responsible for movement or balance may be affected.	Check for unsteady walking or dizziness. Keep the person still and safe.
Sudden and severe headache	A possible sign of bleeding in the brain (haemorrhagic stroke).	Treat as an emergency, especially if accompanied by nausea or confusion.

Even if the symptoms seem to go away, you should act immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

What is the F.A.S.T. Assessment?

The FAST method is a quick and easy way to recognise the main signs of a stroke and take the necessary action by contacting emergency services. But remember NOT ALL signs and symptoms need to be present, if a person is presenting with only Facial Weakness then they are “FAST POSITIVE” 

• ‘F’ Stands for ‘Face’Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?

• ‘A’ Stands for ‘Arms’Ask them to raise both arms. Does one drift downward or feel weak?

• ‘S’ Stands for ‘Speech’ Ask them to repeat a simple sentence. Is their speech slurred or strange?

• ‘T’ Stands for ‘Time’ It's time to contact emergency services right away if you notice any of these symptoms. Every second counts, and prompt medical care can have a profound impact on one's life.

Be aware of these other signs also loss of ballance,

• Sudden loss of balance or repeated instability on their feet and dizziness 

• Eye or vision abnormalities, blurred Blurred or Reduced vision & Eye movement problems

• Sudden numbness or pins and needles 

• A very strong headache that comes out of no where (The worst headache ever) 

Why Stroke Awareness Matters

Stroke awareness is as much about readiness as health. Recognition of the problem by family members, coworkers or first responders while it is still early can result in immediate professional intervention.

Being able to identify stroke symptoms is not about performing a medical procedure, but instead being responsive and acting successfully. 

Edwin O'Sullivan Training Solutions provides professional health and safety training in Cork through awareness-based learning. 

We can assist individuals and groups in comprehending what a stroke is, how it presents itself, and why early detection is crucial, not to take the place of expert medical intervention, but to bridge the gap until assistance arrives.

Fill in this form to enquire now. Our team will be glad to assist you.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call the emergency services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly happens during a stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blockage (ischaemic stroke) or bleeding (haemorrhagic stroke) disrupts blood flow to part of the brain. When that happens, brain cells go without nutrients and oxygen, setting off what can quickly become irreversible damage. That is why it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

What are the most common warning signs of a stroke?

Typical indicators are abrupt and consist of:

• Facial drooping or numbness (often on one side)

• Weakness in the arm or leg

• Slurred or confused speech

• Loss of balance or sudden vision problems

• A severe, unexplained headache

 If any of these happen, even for a short while, you need to take immediate action.

What should I do while waiting for emergency help?

Remain calm and keep the person safe and comfortable. Do not offer them food, drink or medication unless advised to do so by medical professionals. If they become unconscious and are breathing, put them in the recovery position and check their breathing until help arrives.

Can strokes be prevented?

By controlling important risk factors, such as maintaining a healthy blood pressure, eating a balanced diet, exercising frequently, and abstaining from smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, many strokes can be avoided. Early prevention also greatly benefits from routine medical examinations and symptom awareness.

What should I do if stroke symptoms go away on their own?

It may have been a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) if the symptoms go away after a few minutes. It is a grave warning that a complete stroke could occur. Treat every episode as urgent and call emergency services immediately.